ISSUE 143
AUGUST - DECEMBER 2018
Felix Mensah Yeboah Associate Member Environmental Technologist
IN THIS ISSUE
NEW PR LEGISLATION P. 5
PRACTICE & RELIANCE UPDATES P. 6
TECHJOBS P. 8
NEW MEMBER LISTING P. 10
MEMBERS ON THE MOVE: Heather Robertson AScT
P. 9
ASTTBC.ORG
PRESIDENT & CEO MESSAGE
ISSUE 143 August - December 2018 ASTTBC CONNECT is published by the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia.
PRESIDENT & CEO MESSAGE Welcome to the first digital edition of CONNECT! A digital format allows us to reach a larger audience and target regional areas. It also conserves our resources and creates efficiencies for our staff. CONNECT will be published four times per year, is always accessible and is easy to read on your computer, tablet or phone, and of course you’ll be able to print off a hard copy if you wish!
PUBLISHER’S INFO EDITOR: Kimberly Kelly 604.585.2788 x235 kkelly@asttbc.org ADVERTISING: Anne Sharp 604.585.2788 x239 asharp@asttbc.org The opinions expressed in ASTTBC CONNECT are not necessarily those of ASTTBC or its Directors. All rights reserved. This publication may be reproduced provided credit is given as to the source of such material. Circulation is more than 10,000.
Risk management Construction contract disputes Construction tort claims Builders’ liens Professional liability Insurance on products liability
In 2018, ASTTBC has undergone several positive changes to engage, support and promote our members. After a lengthy collaborative process, the BC Government announced the new Professional Governance Act on October 22nd. If passed, the Act will allow ASTTBC the authority to govern the respective practice of technology professionals Trent Reid, CTech, ASTTBC President and our members to be recognized as Qualified Professionals. This is major milestone for the Association. It demonstrates the level of commitment to upholding public trust and safety that ASTTBC members adhere to. It also shows the recognition by the BC Government of the role that technology professionals play in maintaining public infrastructure and essential services in BC. Thank you for the work that you do and the standards of practice that you uphold. The 2018 Member Survey is in progress and has been improved to focus on membership needs and what you value. Shorter by design, your thoughts and opinions will assist in setting ASTTBC’s strategic direction and enhancing your member experience. If you have not received an email with the Member Survey link, please contact us. The focus of this and future CONNECT newsletters is our members, stakeholders and industry partners. As we continue to improve our organization, we encourage your submissions to communicate and celebrate the role that ASTTBC members play in society. After all, this is your Association. As President and CEO, we serve to fulfill the interests of the membership and perform our regulatory role to protect the interests of the public. Respectfully yours,
Theresa McCurry, BSc, PMP ASTTBC Chief Executive Officer
HAVE A STORY OR ANNOUNCEMENT TO SHARE? We are seeking submissions for future issues of CONNECT. Please contact Kimberly Kelly, Editor at kkelly@asttbc.org.
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ASTTBC CONNECT • ISSUE 143
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
SPOTLIGHT 1958-2018, a visual perspective of our 60-year history.
Established in 1958, ASTTBC regulates standards of training and practice of technologists, technicians and technical specialists, to protect the interests of the public under the ASTT Act.
PROFESSIONAL RELIANCE LEGISLATION
For more information, please visit
60-YEAR ANNIVERSARY P. 4
A pathway for achieving rights to practice & what it means for members.
ASTTBC.ORG
P. 5
REGULAR FEATURES
EXECUTIVE & COUNCIL 2018 – 2019 OFFICERS President Trent Reid, CTech Vice President Sarah Campden, CTech, RTMgr
PRACTICE & RELIANCE UPDATES........................................................... P. 6 MEMBER SERVICES........................................................................................P. 7
Secretary Treasurer David Sparanese, AScT, CPWI 3 Past President
TECH JOBS......................................................................................................... P. 8
Keith Trulson, AScT, EngL
MEMBERS ON THE MOVE........................................................................... P. 9
COUNCIL DIRECTORS
NEW MEMBERS..............................................................................................P. 10 UPCOMING EVENTS......................................................................................P. 11
Todd Blackstock, AScT Rachel Butler, AScT Brian Davies, CTech, RSIS Edzel Escala, AScT Randy Meszaros, AScT, PMP, CET Heather Robertson, AScT Paul Sawyer, CTech
ASTTBC COUNCIL NOMINATIONS Nominations are requested for election to ASTTBC Council. Each nomination must be supported by the signatures of 10 certified members, as well as the consent and signature of the nominee. Endorsed nominations must be received by the Nominating Commitee Chair no later than Saturday, February 23rd, 2019. Please send to: Keith Trulson, AScT, EngL Chair, Nominating Committee techinfo@asttbc.org
AUGUST - DECEMBER 2018
Paul Tomei, AScT Ken Zeleschuk, AScT, PTech, RTMgr, MBA
PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVES (APPOINTED) Brian Carr, PhD James Coble, MA Roslyn Kunin, PhD
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SPOTLIGHT
SPOTLIGHT
60-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
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n 1958, a small number of technologists and technicians, working primarily for professional engineers and architects, formed The Society of Architectural and Engineering Technologists (SAET) to independently recognize the expertise and contribution of Technology Professionals in BC. The name was changed to The Society of Engineering Technologists in the 60’s to better reflect the rapidly growing membership. Here’s a look at few of our members throughout the years. “The future depends on what you do today.” - Mahatma Gandhi
— 96% OF BCIT DEGREE GRADUATES ARE EMPLOYED.* *Source: BC Student Outcomes, Baccalaureate Graduates Survey, prepared by BC Stats (2016)
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ASTTBC CONNECT • ISSUE 143
1 Ad Name: Brand
SPOTLIGHT
PR LEGISLATION: PRACTICE RIGHTS PATHWAY
By Theresa McCurry, ASTTBC CEO
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nless you have been living in the Desolation Islands or some other isolated region, you have likely heard of, contributed to and discussed the Professional Reliance Review that was undertaken this past year by the NDP Government. How did this all get started? Several natural resources projects received attention from environmentalists and the Green Party. These projects included qualified professionals in agrology, applied science technology, biology, engineering, and forestry. The NDP-Green Confidence and Supply Agreement signed in July 2017, outlines a number of areas of importance and commits to a review of the Professional Reliance model in BC. This was included in Minister Heyman’s mandate letter, which outlined expectations and priorities for the minister by Premier Horgan.
A review of the Professional Reliance Model was conducted November 2017 – May 2018, which included an audit of the five regulating bodies (ASTTBC succeeded), stakeholder submissions, case studies and a jurisdictional scan. What problem was being solved through the regulators was a bit of a mystery. However, in time, it became clear that the government wanted to enhance public trust in British Columbia. After the report was issued on June 28, 2018, the regulators met with Government for 10 full-day meetings, to discuss what the contents of recommendations one and two of the report might look like. At times there were spirited discussions, and at the end of the day we recognized the minister had given his staff very specific directions.
Late this summer, an important opportunity presented itself. ASTTBC along with the College of Applied Biologists and the BC Institute of Agrologists approached government with the request that we be given the legislative authority to practice of our respective professions – what we like to call “Right to Practice”. We reasoned that if ASTTBC, and others regulators, are expected to fully protect the public interest in carrying out our mandate; then we must be able to hold all practitioners accountable to professional standards. Minister Heyman has said the proposed Office will address public concerns about a perceived need for more government oversight. It is Government’s goal to ensure that roles and expectations of all Qualified Professionals are clear and decisions will protect the public and the environment.
If the legislation (Bill 49) passes, what does this mean for ASTTBC members? • Provide a defined scope(s) of practice for members. • Professionals will be required to sign declarations of competency and conflict of interest. • Whistle blower protections will be provided to those who report. • Duty to report unethical conduct will be enhanced. • The Associations will be required to regulate firms. • Increased public representation, smaller Council size, and a new merit-based nomination process will be instituted. • Creation of the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance (Office). Advance your profession! Government will engage in a consultation process with all stakeholders. It is imperative that ASTTBC members fully participate. Government must clearly hear our needs and perspectives. It is time that technology professionals be fully recognized. To read the BC Government’s news release on the Professional Governance Act, please click here.
AUGUST - DECEMBER 2018
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PRACTICE & RELIANCE UPDATES
PRACTICE UPDATES Registered Fire Protection Technician Standard of Practice
PROFESSIONAL RELIANCE More than ever, the old cliché “use or lose it” applies to all things related to professional reliance, and to practice and compliance. ASTTBC’s mandate to protect the public interest is supported by the following four policies and processes: The Practice Review Board (PRB) serves as an administrative tribunal reviewing complaints against members alleged to be in non-compliance of the Code of Ethics or standards of practice. A summary of complaints and their outcomes is available here. The Practice Assessment Review (PAR) policy, introduced in 2015, is an audit of member practice to confirm compliance, competencies, conduct and content of professional documents. Adherence to the Code of Ethics and Practice Guidelines is required for all members of ASTTBC and this includes our technical specialist registrants.
Following more than two years of stakeholder consultations, the ASTTBC Council-approved RFPT Standard of Practice (SoP) is now available for full implementation starting January 1, 2019. RFPTs must follow the new SoP when testing and inspecting fire protection equipment and systems. All RFPTs are required to complete a FREE online quiz achieving a passing grade of 80% to demonstrate their understanding of the SoP and to confirm their commitment to comply with the requirements specified in the SoP. For more information, click here.
BC Energy Step Code The BC Energy Step Code is an optional compliance path in the BC Building Code that local governments may use to incentivize or require a level of energy efficiency in new construction that goes above and beyond the requirements of the BC Building Code. ASTTBC was appointed to the BC Energy Step Code Council which acts as an advisory body to support local government and industry as these requirements are implemented towards the BC’s goal that all new buildings be net-zero energy ready by 2032. For more information, click here.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is another essential feature of professional reliance. The Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) policy supports the objectives of the ASTT Act, Regulations and Code of Ethics. Members record their CPD activities here.
The Accreditation Board is responsible for overseeing the process of accrediting education and training programs that prepare ASTTBC members for initial certification.
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ASTTBC CONNECT • ISSUE 143
MEMBER SERVICES
MEMBER SERVICES ASTTBC has carefully selected value-add service providers who offer special rates to our members in areas that matter most to technology professionals and their families.
TechCLUB provides member discounts on travel, training, business service solutions and entertainment. Access these savings by logging into TechClub!
Our Affinity Partners Program offers exclusive rates on products and services with trusted providers, such as:
Hotel discounts Accent Inns Hotel Grand Pacific – Victoria Sandman Hotel Group
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Willis Towers Watson - Professional Liability Insurance, Commercial General Liability Insurance and Property Insurance TD Insurance Meloche Monnex – Home Insurance with a privileged access program, preferred insurance rate and enhanced protection Manulife – Life Insurance, Extended Health, Accident Protection, Disability & Dental Insurance Plans
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Dreyer Group Mortgage Brokers – Residential & Commercial Mortgage Service
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Olympia Benefits - Specialized Health & Dental Spending Account service for contract, consultant and small to medium-sized firms
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Mark’s Commercial – Discounts on work clothing and footwear
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Quinella Auto – Discounts on new and leased cars
AUGUST - DECEMBER 2018
Car rentals Hertz Car Rental Zipcar Travel discount service Collette Travel Local Hospitality Training programs CSA Group Epic Educational Programs Innovation Centre Fiore Training Group Business Service Solutions ATI Insurance Horseshoe Press Entertainment BC Lions Broadway Across Canada PNE Playland – Disney on Ice & Harlem Globetrotters
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TECH JOBS
TECHJOBS
JUNIOR STRUCTURAL RESTORATION TECHNOLOGIST RJC Engineers, Vancouver Specializing in structural engineering, building science, structural restoration, structural glass and façade engineering and parking facility design and restoration, RJC Engineers is one of North America’s leading engineering firms. With a staff of more than 500 employees in eleven locations across the country, we offer highly personalized service at the local level with the expertise, depth and resources of a large, national firm. For job details, please click here.
FACILITIES PLANNER/TECHNOLOGIST Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District The Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District is a proud member of the BC Hydro Energy Manager Program and is one of the largest school districts in the province with over 40 facilities, 2,000 employees and 14,000 students. Offering a balance of urban, nature and island-life, Nanaimo is located on central Vancouver Island with easy access to the rest of the island and the Lower Mainland. For job details, please click here.
STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIST McElhanney Consulting Services, Prince George Based in Western Canada for over 100 years, McElhanney offers innovative and practical engineering, surveying, mapping, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental services. As a 100% employee owned and operated firm, with over 1,000 staff members, we are proud to offer qualified staff with shareholding options in our company. Our teams work hard to build strong connections with our staff, clients, and local communities. For job details, please click here.
For more TECHJOBS postings throughout the province, please visit: asttbc.org/jobpostings.
TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE Viking Fire Protection, Kelowna In business since 1930, Viking Fire Protection has become a nationwide leader in its field. Its solid reputation has been built on a commitment to provide diversified products and services that are developed in accordance with recognized standards and designed to meet the customers’ specific fire protection requirements. For job details, please click here.
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ASTTBC CONNECT • ISSUE 143
MEMBERS ON THE MOVE
MEMBERS ON THE MOVE
HEATHER ROBERTSON, AScT Heather has recently relocated to Kelowna and assumed the position of Civil Engineering Technologist with Associated Engineering Ltd. Heather previously spent four years as Supervisor, Engineering Services and eight years as Supervisor, Transportation Engineering with the City of Prince George. Heather is a member of ASTTBC Council and was Chair of the BC Women in Technology group for three years.
AUGUST - DECEMBER 2018
STEVE GOODALL, CSO
Steve recently reclassified from Construction Safety Office (Provisional) to Construction Safety Officer. Steve works with Westbow Construction Group as a Safety Coordinator. Westbow Construction Group was established in Chilliwack in 1977 and is now a second generation family-owned and operated developer of homes in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Westbow also works alongside Hungry for Life, supporting the people of Haiti with housing and education projects.
ROGER SIMMONS, CSO, CGCSCI, OFA3 Roger has reclassified from Construction Safety Officer (Provisional) to Construction Safety Officer. Roger works with Best Personnel, specializing in long-term CSO Assignments while fulfilling education upgrades in: NCSO designation, EH&S certificate, CHST certification and Gold Seal Construction Safety. Roger is a dedicated safety professional who strives to educate workers and use a practical approach to solving problems.
PAM CHILTON, AScT, CRD
Pam is the Owner and Principal Designer of Zimba Design. Zimba Design has recently relocated to the Shipyards District in North Vancouver. This move was prompted by the addition of permit consulting and design of small commercial spaces services. Zimba Design is now located at Suite #302, 92 Lower Lonsdale in a heritage building that was built in 1912.
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NEW MEMBERS
NEW MEMBERS
Applied Science Technologist (AScT) Navid Abbasnejad
Geoff Gullekson
Braden Scheelar
Anastasia Afanaseva
Bill Hargie
Nick Schultz
Arthur Brisson
Dan Krasevich
Brad Stuart
Wayne Buzzard
Chun Ning Lam
Cassie Sung
Ronald Calara
Paul Mailey
Michael Trinh
Martin Caky
Dmitri Maizik
George Walton
Brent Cameron
Michael McWilliams
Brandon Vigne
Benny Chik
Jonathan Mothus
Hao Wang
Ryan Cranston
Dali Mwandacha
Michal Wlodarczy
Julian Espino
Jillene Rodgers
Certified Technician (CTech) Shem Evans
Randy Marcelino
Kyle St.Amour
Rod Kretlow
Gurmukh Singh
Ryan Swan
Aman Mangat
Tracy Smith
Associate Tyson Bolderston
Cody Lint
Alexander Ridout
Karena Santavenere
Zoltan Gonsalves
Sofia Pineda
Chris Rideout
Cody Shabbits
Technical Specialist Leo Arbet, RFPT
Kyle Lessard, ROWP (PL,IN)
Kurt Bertrand, RFPT
Luke Loney, RFPT
Tyson Bourlet, RFPT
Shan Lu, RFPT
Dean Branter, RFPT
Mohammed Mahabub, RFPT
Derrick Burke, ROWP (IN)
Logan McGregor, RFPT
Paul Burke, RFPT
Jim Millard, CSO (Provisional)
Klayton Collier, RFPT
Richard Schultz, RFPT
Micah Davis, RFPT
Darren Takao, RFPT
Joel Dela Cruz, Associate BD
Zheng Wang, RFPT
Gurinderpal Dhaliwal, Associate BD
Clinten Watrich, ROWP (PL,IN)
Michael Flintoff, RFPT
James Weberg, CSO (Provisional) Wen Zhou, RFPT
Daniel Hanaway, ROWP (PL,IN) Brian Jackson, ROWP ( IN )
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ASTTBC CONNECT • ISSUE 143
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
2018 AGM Thank you to our sponsors!
Event Partners
GERN
ASTTBC TECHNOLOGY AWARDS & RECOGNITION CELEBRATION NOVEMBER 10 VANCOUVER With 250 attendees from all over the province, this networking event acknowledges leaders in the Applied Science and Technology community. It is an evening of celebration you will not want to miss! Register at asttbc.org/tarc.
Gold Sponsors
BOABC 2018 EDUCATION CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 27-30 RICHMOND This conference includes two core Mandatory BC Building Code change education opportunities, an industry executives panel, examinations and supplier sessions. For more information, please click here.
BC NATURAL RESOURCES FORUM JANUARY 22-24 PRINCE GEORGE This two-day annual forum features speakers on the latest news and developments in the natural resources industry. The Forum offers a neutral, non-partisan and positive arena to discuss trends, challenges and opportunities unfolding in the province. For more information, please click here.
Bronze Sponsors
TechAbility - Making DiverseAbilities Work! TechAbility is a research project to increase diversity in the engineering and applied sciences sectors. Your company has the opportunity to be a leader and beneďŹ t from innovative inclusion. For more information on how to get involved, please click here.
AUGUST - DECEMBER 2018
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4 GREAT REASONS TO PURCHASE LIFE INSURANCE
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A LOW-COST ALTERNATIVE TO MANY BANK MORTGAGE INSURANCE PRODUCTS
YOUR SPOUSE COULD LIVE OUT YOUR RETIREMENT DREAM
You can purchase enough life insurance to cover your entire mortgage, so your family wouldn’t have to worry about making mortgage payments. In fact, using life insurance to cover your mortgage can be more cost-effective than mortgage insurance.
You and your partner have surely spent time thinking about retirement. A life insurance benefit can help your spouse live out your retirement dreams.
IT CAN LEAVE A LEGACY BEHIND FOR YOUR LOVED ONES
IT CAN OFFER VALUABLE FEATURES
If you ensure that you have enough life insurance to help pay for your children’s post-secondary education, imagine the lasting legacy you’d leave, potentially setting them up for a lifetime of professional success. The benefit can also help your spouse with the cost of child rearing in general – after all, the cost of raising a child to 18 in Canada is $253,947.†
Engineers Canada-sponsored Term Life Insurance, created exclusively for members like you, offers valuable features to help provide financial protection for you and your loved ones: • NEW: Lower rates to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the plan* • NEW: Higher savings on coverage of $500,000 or more* • NEW: Job Loss Waiver of Premium*
Plus, if you’re applying for the first time for Engineers Canada-sponsored Term Life Insurance, we’re offering you an added bonus of $50,000 in coverage at no extra cost for up to two years!**
Learn more and apply for: Engineers Canada-sponsored Life Insurance Plan www.manulife.com/asttbcTL Manulife Customer Service: 1 877 598-2273 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET) Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See policy for details. † www.moneysense.ca, “The real cost of raising kids,” April 15, 2015. * Effective April 1, 2018. ** See full First-Time Applicant Offer eligibility and offer details at www.manulife.com/springfree. Underwritten by
The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company.
Manulife and the Block Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under licence. © 2018 The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. All rights reserved. Manulife, P.O. Box 670, Stn Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2J 4B8.
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